Agreed, but would you agree that the shape, colours and designs, coupled with the fact that it's called the Budapester collection, as well as the Berta trees indicate a high probability that the shoes are indeed made in the Vass workshop?

I thought the arrangement was for Vass to make Ugolini's RTW line or have I got that wrong? It was for another brand wasn't it?

In another thread here on SF it was stated that Vass made a RTW run for Ugolini's brand especially for retailing in Japan. Haven't been able to confirm it one way or the other. But it seems a realistic possibility.

as slewfoot already mentioned. the u and f came out of an cooperation between ugolini and vass. these kind of relationships are not unusual among workshops.

on a random note, i have seen u-lasts labeled japan in the workshop of mr. berta, who produces the lasts and trees for vass. afaik, he's the only provider. i assume this particular last was for a bespoke/mto client.

The posts on the thread are very informative. Thanks to all of the contributors. Checking on the collective wisdom of the UVP thread: I'm considering buying Vass 43.5 wholecuts on the New Peter last from another SF member. My feet are typically US10.5D. Should I just say "What the heck, they're great shoes" and go ahead, or are there any other issues to consider? All comments are most welcome. Thanks in advance. --Chris

Who is G, and please someone tell me this is a false rumor.
Anyone have any idea/estimate what Vass's output capacity is in a week for hand welted shoes? For instance how long would it take to fill a 100 pair order in a single style/model?

G is me and the source is very reliable.

i know the number for shoe trees is around 2500 - 3000 per anno. do the math.

Fritzl - a few quick questions on the topic when you have a moment:
1) Have you seen any Vass Goodyear welted shoes and noticed a difference in feel and quality?
2) Will they be making Goodyear welted shoes across their entire range or just certain lasts and/or styles?
3) When will they begin Goodyear welting or have they already?

sure:

1) no, i haven't.
2)i don't know yet.
3) dito

as i said, i had a reliable source(can reveal via pm) and it sounded like the transition is in progress. the opening of the new store is another indicator, imo.

if you ask me, the gyw versus handwelted discussion has taken place several times and everyone made his conclusions. imo, it's more a loss for the craft and can probably be a gain for the brand as the serial production eliminates inconsistencies. atm, it's a bit reading the coffee ground.

i expect a meanwhile international brand like vass to communicate with their customer base and the retailers, when the time is ripe.